Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has spoken highly of Argentina center-back Lisandro Martinez as negotiations between Manchester United and Ajax on the defender advance.
Prior to the 2022–23 season, Manchester United made it clear that they wanted to add a new center back. After failing to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, they turned their attention to Martinez's teammate Lissandro.
On Friday, United made a bid for the defender of about £43 million in the hopes that it would convince Ajax to let the Argentine leave the team.
In an interview with Algemeen Dagblad, Stam alluded to this sum when he said, "Whether Martnez is worth €50m, that is impossible to determine. This level of wealth has become typical. Particularly in England.
While this may sound unfavorable, it is understandable that Stam is concerned about the price tag given that Martinez has only recently gained notoriety during his two seasons at Ajax.
Ajax's Lisandro Martinez (image)
But Stam did go on to remark, "I have grown to be a fan of his," after describing how Martinez has impressed him. He has a great disposition and a winning attitude, and I think he's a fantastic man. Those are excellent players for trainers to work with.
This will reassure any doubting United supporters who may still have regarding Martinez's probable move to Old Trafford, as Stam is possibly one of the best qualified individuals to make a determination regarding that move having relocated there from the PSV Eindhoven of the Eredivisie in 1998.
Stam's assessment of Martinez's defensive awareness and coverage skills should also delight Manchester United supporters because these traits have been consistently criticized of the team's defenders ever since Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand left.
"You can see that Ten Hag's approach is to dominate matches and control the opponent's half," the former defender said. When it happens, you need guys who are pretty quick and aren't scared to cover because there is a lot of room in the back. Martnez most definitely (also) possesses that, as does Malacia.
Erik ten Hag's first acquisition for Manchester United is Tyrell Malacia. Further praising the center-defensive back's awareness, (Man Utd) Stam said,"There are lots of swift attackers out there who are brutal counters. The ability to think strategically is therefore crucial for a defender.
"Read the ball quickly and give it a slight push or nudge. Then you are not even required to engage in combat. Additionally, Martnez has created it.
However, this wasn't the only aspect of Martinez that Stam emphasized; the former United player also emphasized Martinez's adeptness with the ball, which is crucial to Erik ten Hag's system.
"Martnez is highly skilled and imaginative in his passing," declared Stam. Ten Hag can maintain the ball for longer and encounter fewer counters the more of these players he has.
If Stam is correct in his assessment of Martinez's on-ball skills,This would support the team's pursuit of the Argentine and the probable £43 million price tag because it might have a seismic impact on the group.
Stam's praise for the defender should delight club supporters because Martinez's talents will likely increase Old Trafford's chances of winning a trophy in the 2022–23 campaign.
Tyrell Malacia, a young left-back, was Manchester United's first signing of the summer. The Red Devils are also close to finalizing a deal to sign Christian Eriksen, a Dane who has verbally agreed to sign a 3-year deal.
Erik ten Hag is also interested in adding Frenkie de Jong to his team, but despite Chelsea's interest, United are still the front-runners to land the midfielder.
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